On the record
Cut off from the main body, it may show a brief vitality, as the head of a tortoise still bites for some days after it is severed from the neck; but it can have no permanent existence.
Source
gutenberg.orgEditor's note · Context
Sumner uses a vivid analogy to illustrate the temporary nature of a political party cut off from its main support.
Share
More from Charles Sumner
I agree with the Convention in the importance of the new organization; nor do I think there are many candid persons, recognizing morals as the soul of all true politics, who will hesitate in this conclusion.
Above all, welcome to the united regenerated Democracy of the North, which spurns the mockery of a Republic, with professions of Freedom on the lips, while the chains of Slavery clank in the Capitol!
Again I repeat, so long as the War System prevails under the sanction of International Law, these painful incongruities will be apparent.
It is larger than the entire profit of all the commerce and manufactures of the world.
Other voices in this conversation
